News
Toilets ‘top of the pile’


New Charge: A charging system has now been installed in the ASDA car park in Pembroke Dock
PUBLIC toilet provider DANFO has received praise for the work it has carried out in Pembrokeshire in 2015.
The Council’s Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, (Mar 15), to hear a presentation from DANFO.
DANFO highlighted that charging systems were being installed in Narberth, Tenby South Beach, Pembroke Dock and Broad Haven to go with the other four that had already had charging systems put in place.
They also highlighted a number of cases of vandalism in toilets in Felindre and in Castle Lake, Haverfordwest, which was the subject of fire damage in January 2016.
Pictures were shown of the damage at both sites alongside what they looked like after DANFO had finished repairs.
Nine members of staff were also employed DANFO, of which none of them had been in previous employment.
Jon Mills, Operations Manager at DANFO, said: “By December 2015, DANFO had received £40,000 worth of contributions towards the running costs of public toilets in the county and this was through introducing charging mechanisms.
“We’ve had significant investment in refurbishing a number of facilities across the county and employed additional local people to our full time staff cleaning service. Through those people we have delivered an award winning service.
“We’ve also spent approximately £50,000 just through our trade and maintenance of all the toilets and over 1000 maintenance repairs were carried out in 2015.
“There was a provision within the tender contract to install charging mechanisms to generate income. The income generation goes to the operational costs of the service and invested back into local public toilet provision.
“You’ll notice that there are four more sites listed, two of them are being installed today (Mar 15) so Narberth and Tenby South Beach are being installed. Broad Haven and Pembroke Dock were installed last Tuesday so we will have eight sites now collecting income.
“All the efforts put in by the team over 2015 has led us to achieving something that we are very proud of which was the External Cleaning Contractor of the year for 2015 across Wales and the UK. That’s for the work we are doing here down in west Wales. All the toilets are inspected by an independent inspector from the Loo of the year organisation.
“Pembrokeshire’s toilets achieved the platinum award. Pembrokeshire’s toilets became top of the Premier League in 2015 as compiled by the Loo of the year Awards so we are top of the pile at the moment.”
Cllr David Howlett congratulated DANFO on their award and asked whether or not there had been any success in finding the people that had committed the acts of vandalism.
Jon stated that no one had been caught for the damage caused to the toilets in Felindre but that people had been caught for the damage caused the toilets in Haverfordwest.
Richard Brown, Head of Environment & Civil Contingencies at the council, told councillors of the jobs that the cleaners have to go through with some experiencing excrement in handdryers.
He added: “There’s a tender price so we pay DANFO every month so we’ve got a fixed price and when they submitted their price to us it was based upon the assumption that £45,000 would be generated so their price was x-minus £45,000 so anything above that then comes to the council.
“The charging has been well received and I think we have had 120,000 visits in two months. The income generation has exceeded expectations but we actually have a problem now where there is no incentive for DANFO to invest in any further charging. “We didn’t really know from the outset how many people would take to charging.” DANFO Operations Manager Andrew Mcilduff added that he was delighted with how things had turned out and also said that Keswick was watching what had been done in Pembrokeshire and added that they wanted exactly the same as what had been installed in Tenby. Cllr Jonathan Preston said that DANFO’s involvement was a success story and asked if they had considered alternative methods of payment such as a contactless card. It was agreed there may be some benefits to that but that there would be more costs involved.
Charity
Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.
Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.
Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.
Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”
Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”
The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
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(regular toilet user)
April 11, 2016 at 3:27 pm
I wish the Herald reporter had been at Pembroke Dock Town Council’s meeting last Thursday and a totally different picture of public toilets would have emerged. The reporter would have seen Cllr Jane Phillips deplore the state of the toilets in Pembroke Dock which have not improved one bit since the 20 p charge was introduced.
She went on to say the Tenby toilets were indeed good, but by comparison Pembroke Dock’s were terrible – tiles missing and broken everywhere and black mould a feature of the decoration. She recalled how a Pembroke Town Councillor had used two 20p coins and still could’n t get in and had to dash home.
I’m not criticising the cleaners – how much can they do if the place is crumbling – it’s just that they need some money spent on them.
As for the Loo of the year awards – what a load of crap if they got that with a Loo in this state!
Come on Danfo do the decent thing and stop charging until the Pembroke Dock loos are fit for purpose.
Dave Nall
August 28, 2016 at 3:32 pm
The problem is that it is not just 20p, it is 20p over and over again, unless you and your family have bladders of steel. I have an illness which causes me to use toilets more frequently than most. During my stay in the area this year I avoided Tenby in favour of Sandersfoot where the loos are free. Walt Disney claimed he built his business on clean free toilets.
Ultimately, the ‘pay to pee’ loos will be paid for at the cost of other businesses in the areas that myself and others will avoid. Despite the ‘spin’ we are fed in the press, this is another case where private enterprise has taken over a once free and appreciated public service for profit.
Incidentally, I witnesses a man in Pembroke Dock put his 20p in the machine, but it would not let him in. So they don’t even work properly.
Poor show all round.